A/HRC/19/18 (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issue, the delegation noted that homosexuality was no longer criminalized in the domestic legislation. However, the LGBT issue remained a sensitive topic with important cultural and religious implications and thus, a gradual approach, one that would strike a fair balance between the rights of all citizens and the particularities of the society would be adopted. 16. Human rights in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova represent a priority for the Government. Specialized ministries and institutions continued to follow up on the developments in the human rights field in the Eastern districts and provided with assistance to the population within their competences and possibilities. The current situation in the region created serious obstacles and difficulties in the enforcement of human rights throughout the country. The delegation noted that addressing human rights issues in this region did not rest exclusively with the Government and it should be part of discussions with the international partners involved in the settlement process. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 17. During the interactive dialogue, 37 delegations made statements. A number of countries welcomed the open and constructive participation of the Republic of Moldova in the universal periodic review. Several delegations thanked the Government for preparing a comprehensive national report for the UPR and expressed satisfaction at the involvement of civil society in the preparation of the national report. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 18. Algeria noted that the institutional framework for the promotion and protection of human rights had been constantly improved. It welcomed the inclusion of Muslim religion into the national register of religious beliefs and inquired about the follow-up to the recommendation made by the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion and belief regarding the formulation of a law against discrimination and investment in civic education. Algeria made recommendations. 19. Thailand commended the Republic of Moldova for its commitment to protecting human rights, especially in the areas of anti-discrimination, rights of minorities and human rights education through “Civic Education”. It also welcomed the dialogue with specialprocedures mandate holders. Relating to the issue of combating human trafficking, Thailand would be interested in exchanging views on assistance and protection to victims of trafficking. It made recommendations. 20. Brazil noted with interest the Republic of Moldova‟s cooperation with international human rights mechanisms. It commended the enactment of a law to prevent and combat domestic violence and the draft framework for the rehabilitation of victims. It referred to the programmes for social integration and political participation of ethnic minorities. Brazil was concerned at reports of discrimination, including anti-Semitism, and noted decreasing school enrolment rates. It made recommendations. 21. France noted that the Republic of Moldova did not have a law to combat and prevent discrimination. It referred to reports that ill-treatment during custody and pretrial detention had not disappeared and that there were no credible investigations on torture perpetrated by the police and penitentiary staff. France wished to know about planned improvements to juvenile justice. It made recommendations. 22. Austria commended the Republic of Moldova for its cooperation with the special procedures and treaty bodies. Austria wanted to know about the efforts to overcome the obstacles for the prosecution of trafficking cases and what measures had been taken to tackle discrimination. Finally, it asked how the Government was addressing the alleged 5